The secretary of state has dismissed claims by the DUP that he is keeping victims and some parties “in the dark” over his government’s plans to change how Troubles legacy cases are handled.
Hilary Benn was responding to remarks by DUP leader Gavin Robinson, who described his approach as “hapless”.
London and Dublin have been in talks for some time about trying to find a joint way forward, with the two governments meeting on Thursday during the British-Irish Council to discuss the latest developments.
Benn said he made “no apology” for working with the Irish government and others to try and reach a solution.
The DUP said by Benn meeting Tánaiste (Irish deputy PM) Simon Harris, he had “dishonoured” victims who were concerned about the Irish government’s own approach to dealing with the legacy of the past.
Labour intends to retain a new legacy body set up under the legislation – the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).
A number of victims’ groups have called for the ICRIR to be scrapped, arguing it is not sufficiently independent to investigate killings during Northern Ireland’s decades-long conflict.
Dublin maintains a legal challenge against the UK government over the legacy act, but Harris has said he believes a deal can still be reached to allow his government to drop that case.
The DUP leader said: “Last night, Hilary Benn disgracefully continued his desire to satisfy the Irish Government, seeking their approval for his actions.
“In meeting Simon Harris to negotiate next steps, he dishonours the countless victims in Northern Ireland that I have met over recent months who lament that whilst he may listen, he does not hear.”
He also accused Dublin of having a “scandalous approach” to legacy.
“The Irish continue to ruthlessly defend their sovereign information, yet Hilary Benn concedes their unconstitutional role in determining how the UK deals with ours,” said Robinson.
“The Irish government have knowledge of and influence upon UK legacy plans, yet Northern Ireland victims, veterans and Parliamentarians are kept in the dark by the secretary of state without so much as a blush on his face.”
Speaking at the British-Irish Council, Benn said legacy remained “unfinished business” and that all politicians had a responsibility to find a way forward.
“We are making good progress… the lesson indeed exemplified by the Good Friday Agreement is that we make most progress when we work together.”
